The Navajo Ceremonial Basket, also called Navajo Wedding Basket, is viewed as a map through which the Navajo chart their lives. The central spot in the basket represents the sipapu, the hole which represents the navel of the earth through which the People emerged into this world of light. The inner coils of the basket are white to represent birth. As you travel outward on the coils you begin to encounter more and more black. The black represents darkness, struggle and pain. As you make your way through the darkness you eventually reach the red bands, which represent marriage; the mixing of your blood with your spouse and the creation of family. The red is pure. During this time there is no darkness. Traveling outside familial bands you encounter more darkness; however, the darkness is interspersed with white light. The light represents increasing enlightenment, which expands until you enter the all white banding of the outer rim. This banding represents the spirit world, where there is no darkness. The line from the center of the basket to the outer rim is there to remind you that no matter how much darkness you encounter in your world, there is always a pathway to the light. During ceremonies the pathway in the basket is always pointed east. The last coil on the basket rim is finished off at this pathway to allow the medicine man to easily locate it in darkness.
Artist: Virginia Smith

The Native American Indian Artists use only genuine feathers, furs, bones, beads, leather, wood, stone, etc. in the making of each work of art. There is nothing artificial used unless it is required by law. No parts of animals such as bones, feathers, etc. are from any animals considered endangered. The feathers used are from Wild Turkeys.

The colors of feathers, fur, leather, beads and patterns can vary. All of our items are individually made by hand and are uniquely one of a kind. Therefore what you see on these pages is merely a representation of the product you will receive.

Articles

Just want to say, I received the Navajo war shield and bow display...and what a quality item well worth the money. Thanks again - will definitely purchase again in the future...thanks again.
John.

The vase arrived today and is beautiful! Thank you very much! It is the perfect way to remember our trip to Arizona this summer, in addition to celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. Thanks again,
Elizabeth